ABS, KOMERI Collaborate on Safety of LNG as a Fuel
file image of an ABS class LNG
carrier. (CREDIT: ABS)
ABS Technical personnel in the field at a shipyard. (CREDIT: ABS)
ABS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) to create a new facility dedicated to improving the safety of LNG as fuel.
ABS and KOMERI will collaborate on research at the shoreside facility, which will allow shipowners to safely test fuel gas and bunkering systems, under actual loading conditions, prior to installation onboard.
“ABS is proud to partner with KOMERI on this important facility, which will help ensure safe and effective testing of new equipment and ultimately advance adoption of LNG,” said Peter Fitzpatrick, ABS Vice President, Global Business Development. “This project is another example of our commitment to advancing safety and evolution of new designs and applications for LNG as fuel.”
Located in Busan, the facility will enable ship builders to optimize their onboard commissioning processes and provide enhanced opportunities for research and development of new technologies.
“The LNG FGSS and Bunkering Equipment Test Facility of KOMERI will provide certification and technical engineering aid to marine equipment companies that seek efficient advance testing technology and safe development of their equipment,” said Kong Gil-Young, KOMERI president. “KOMERI expects this will meet increasing market demand from around the world through verification and cooperation with ABS.”
The MOU, signed at KOMERI Busan headquarters, allows the increase in the testing facility scope as relevant technologies and regulations develop in the coming years.
Recognizing the changing landscape and increased industry focus on gas, ABS established a Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects. ABS provides industry leadership, offering guidance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, gas carriers, and regulatory and statutory requirements. ABS has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets and has been the classification society of choice for some of the most advanced gas carriers in service.
